4WD module questions / infamous 4WD High light

[The Rainmayker]

First of all, yes I have searched and read the forums extensively about this issue.

My 2002 has its 4WD High light start flashing a few days ago. We already have snow up here in the mountains so it's only a matter of time until I need the 4WD. I tried disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 1/2 an hour, I tried cleaning the module's contacts with electronic cleaner, no luck. I called Gaudin Ford for a new sensor. gave them the VIN, and they shipped me a new module that just arrived.

What I find odd it the part number of the old module is 1L24-7H417-AK. The one they recommended to me, and which is printed on the factory box I received in the mail, is 1L2Z-7E453-A. However the part inside the box is labeled as being 1L24-7H417-AL. Is this a decent cross-reference, or the wrong part?

Hoping that I was sent the correct part, and/or it would be an improvement over the module I had, I went ahead and swapped out the modules. I disconnected the negative terminal, removed the old module, installed the new one, reconnected the battery, and started up the vehicle. The darn 4WD High light is still flashing, however not as often as before. I drove to a muddy field and tried putting it in 4WD high but nothing happened, the light would sometimes flash and sometimes not. I put the vehicle in neutral, pressed 4WD Low, and nothing happened. I put the vehicle in drive and eased forward slowly "just in case," and sure enough after about 100 feet the 4WD Low engaged. I drove a short distance with it on, then pressed the 4WD Auto button to disengage. It took about 30 seconds to get out of 4WD Low. I drove a bit in 4WD Auto, then tried 4WD High again, and no luck. The light continued to flash occasionally the whole ride home.

What else could I check? I am not really familiar with computerized 4WD systems. Just for grins and giggles I did plug in my code reader, and there were no codes stored.

Any assistance is appreciated, thanjs!

 

[swetrid]

Part # is right, did you check the fuses?

 

[The Rainmayker]

Good point; I did check them the other day but have not since I put in the new module.

UPDATE:

Fuses are all still intact, no luck with the 4WD yet.

 

[The Rainmayker]

OK, I am slowly narrowing down the problem. Can't find any vacuum leaks, just got done checking as best I can.

Where is the transfer case actuator located? I thought it was by the passenger's side CV joint, but it does not appear to be (from under the hood).

I have the chance to put this up on a lift this weekend and imagine I could check the actuator when I do that.

 

[swetrid]

You almost need to get the codes from the 4x4 module to help with the diagnosis. If not there ae too many possibilties.

 

[lynchy wa]

check for rat activity under bonnet, er hood, cover any exposed copper with tape.
i spent too much and lost a bit of hair trying to fix my 2004, in the end i found the buggers had eaten into the loom above the radiator cowling... might work

 

[The Rainmayker]

Thanks folks!

Got to use my friend's Genesys code reader today...absolutely nothing found under the 4WD system category! Frankly nothing drivetrain-related except for one code that I have not figured out yet (even Google isn't being my friend), which was U1950 = UBP Communication Malfunction.

No rodent activity either!

 

[rocco123]

Transfer case actuator is at the back of the transfer case. Just bolts to remove it, but to de-pin the connector you first remove the connector's "wedge" in the center which will allow access to the fingers holding the pins in. Make note of the locations is not removing the two sensors that also mount to the transfer case. You can then run the motor on a bench to verify it's operation.

 

[imp]

T. C. Sensors?

Transfer case actuator is at the back of the transfer case. Just bolts to remove it, but to de-pin the connector you first remove the connector's "wedge" in the center which will allow access to the fingers holding the pins in. Make note of the locations is not removing the two sensors that also mount to the transfer case. You can then run the motor on a bench to verify it's operation.

Rocco, I have an '04 with B-W 44-11 T.C.; it has the toothed wheels for speed sensors, 2 of them, but they are used only as spacers; there are no sensors at all on the T.C. Was this change done after 2002, or is the case in this thread NOT a 44-11? Asking because the damn thing is giving me fits!! imp

 

[rocco123]

Imp, I can't say what type of transfer case Rainmayker has at the begining of this post. My Limited is an 02 borg warner with the sensors & I just thought I should mention them if he is taking the motor out. Took me over a year to figure out my traction control problem & I ended up shotgunning a 4x4 computer which ended up fixing it. I checked everything i could including hooking up to a new snapon computer that was not able to link with the truck.

 

[imp]

Imp, I can't say what type of transfer case Rainmayker has at the begining of this post. My Limited is an 02 borg warner with the sensors & I just thought I should mention them if he is taking the motor out. Took me over a year to figure out my traction control problem & I ended up shotgunning a 4x4 computer which ended up fixing it. I checked everything i could including hooking up to a new snapon computer that was not able to link with the truck.

You are fortunate at not getting as angry and frustrated as I do when logically things followed do not work out.....imp (the hot-head).

 

[muhl5443]

the code is for either the body control module or the central security module.

 

[The Rainmayker]

Problem solved, after a few hours of poking around. A wire going to the solenoid on the transfer case was corroded and pinched/grounded out. Spliced in a new segment of wire and all is well!

 

[rocco123]

Glad to hear you fixed it (yourself) and didn't toss parts at it. I'd be happy as hell if it were me.

 

[victorv613]

Problem solved, after a few hours of poking around. A wire going to the solenoid on the transfer case was corroded and pinched/grounded out. Spliced in a new segment of wire and all is well!

was this wire by the transfer case or further back. I to am having a similar issue